The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is gravely concerned about the five workers trapped at Ekapa Mine in Kimberley, Northern Cape since the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The miners were reportedly trapped after a mud rush. So far rescue efforts have not succeeded in bringing them above ground. Fears are mounting that water and mud are impeding access to the 800-metre-deep shaft, making the rescue mission even more challenging.

Our thoughts are with the workers and their families at this challenging time.

COSATU echoes the stance of its Affiliate, National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) as they call for transparency and more details of the rescue mission to be provided to ease the stress on the families of the trapped miners. 

Commenting on safety at mines last week, the Minerals Council of South Africa said mine safety was at an all-time high compared to 1994 but expressed concern about the increase in falls-of-ground fatalities.

Labour unions, the industry and the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources have committed themselves to the goal of Zero Harm. In line with this, COSATU is calling on all stakeholders to join hands and put all resources to bear to ensure the trapped miners are brought back to safety urgently.

Following the rescue, no stone should be left unturned in probing the cause of the mud rush. Government must ensure that mining companies keep to their commitment of striving for Zero Harm.

Issued by COSATU 

Zanele Sabela (COSATU Spokesperson)

Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639

Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za